Pho 95 opens at the Streets at SouthGlenn to massive crowds of pho-king fans

"Oh my god, it was crazy," says Aaron Le, his voice erupting into fits of delirious laughter. "It was the most overwhelming day I've every had, but also one of the funnest." Le opened his second outpost of Pho 95 (the original is located at 1002 South Federal Boulevard) last Saturday at the Streets at SouthGlenn, 6879 South Vine Street, just behind Whole Foods Market.

The weekend lunch lines were 45 minutes long and spilled onto the pavement. "We were completely crushed, and while some people left, most of them promised to come back, and for the most part, the customers have been very supportive," Le says. Even the ones who have no idea what the hell pho is.

What the pho do you know?

"We've had a lot of first time pho-goers the last few days -- a lot of Americans -- but I think our employees are doing a really good job of explaining what pho is," Le says. In fact, this new spot's menu, an expanded version of the original, even has a glossary of pho terms. "We've added some additional noodle dishes and several more appetizers to the menu, and for those people who are a little unsure of what pho is all about, we've added a cheat sheet," Le explains.

The built-out space, which is nearly twice is large as the Federal Boulevard location, is also far more cosmopolitan, with its brushed earth tones and deep orange and candy apple-red accents, stylish Vietnamese wall trappings, spit-shined tiled floors and banquettes. The only thing missing? A liquor license, which is in the works. "Maybe five or six months," guesses Le.

In the meantime, there are always bobas.

Pho 95 is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Call 303-797-9535 for info or to make reservations.